Warilla's Josh Cuthbert took 1-11 on the opening day against Lake Illawarra. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER
CRICKET
Two of the four first grade games in South Coast cricket defied the rain on Saturday with one batting and one bowling side holding the upper hand after the first day's play in round two.
Warilla and Lake Illawarra managed only 23 overs at Oakleigh Park before play was abandoned, with the Lakers struggling at 5-55, after electing to bat first.
Nathan Tyrrell held the Lakers innings together with a defiant unbeaten 20, while all four bowlers used by Warilla skipper Mick Perry claimed a wicket.
Chris Leaudais was the best of the Kookaburra bowlers, taking 2-11 off eight overs.
While Warilla hold the upper hand, Perry admitted the wet outfield made it difficult for his bowlers.
"It was slippery and getting a bit dangerous," Perry said.
"The last over we bowled three full tosses - not intentionally - it was just the ball slipped out ... and then we came off."
Meanwhile, The Rail took the opening day honours against Kiama, making 7-174, with 48.5 overs possible at Cavalier Park.
Play began an hour late, and another hour after lunch was lost, with stumps called early due to poor light.
Andrew Warren was unbeaten on 38 for The Rail and was well supported by opener Paul Marchesi (32) and Simon Bartlett (24).
Andrew Hart took 2-33 for Kiama, with skipper Dan Reilly taking 3-64.
"It was tough, the ball was a piece of soap," Reilly said. "From 2-101 we took 5-72 to get back in the contest.
"If we bat well we're still a chance next week."
The Rail can bat on in Saturday's day two and set Kiama a target to chase for first innings points.
The other two games - Oak Flats at home to Albion Park and Gerringong-Jamberoo vs Shellharbour at Kevin Walsh Oval - were washed out. They will be played under two-day rules on Saturday.
Having started their round two matches, Warilla, Lake Illawarra, The Rail and Kiama are now in best position.
The other two games may require a batting declaration or collapse to achieve a first innings win.